Since my last court yard makeover post, I have spent $14 and done hardly anything. We’re having close to 20 guests come to our house for a pot-luck style birthday party in about four days. Can I finish?

Here is my progress:

I decided to use this sign from our wedding as my inspiration. I find it to be modern, rustic and romantic.

I began by adding some color to a few of the details. I love how these candle holders turned out — the yellow brings color to the court yard without taking over the natural greens and browns.

Obviously I haven’t done much else. Check back this week as I scamble to finish before the guests arrive!

We spend a lot of time the courtyard area off the side of our house. It has so much potential to be a really cute and functional area, but it gets looked over all the time as I spend money and time decorating and fixing up the inside instead. Here are a few pictures of the side yard’s current state (rough I know). I’ve decided on a budget of less than $40 and a time frame of 3 weeks, just in time for my birthday pot-luck party!

Here are a few things that I have already that I’m planning on using. I really love white flowers because they seem to glow at twilight. My aunt gave me the candle sticks (right out of her garden) when I mentioned how much I liked them (though I’m sure you could find similar ones pretty easily).